ROYAL OAK – What could be better than spending a hot summer day at a cool ice arena?

How about spending nothing for that enjoyable experience?

On Saturday, John Lindell Memorial Ice Arena-Royal Oak will host a Customer Appreciation Day. All the events are free.

“It’s about giving back,” said Christa Fairchild, an office assistant at the arena. “We really appreciate our customers. When our customers come in and boost our business, it means a lot. This is a chance to thank them.”

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Customer Appreciation Day will be held from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10, at the arena, located just south of Royal Oak High School at 1403 Lexington Blvd.

“Our customers give us feedback on how we can be better,” Fairchild said. “To recognize them all programs are free on Saturday.”

Free Saturday events will include a free Sticks & Pucks session for kids ages seven and under from 11 a.m. to noon; open skate for all ages from 12:15 p.m. to 2:05 p.m.; freestyle drop-in figure skating from 2:15 p.m. to 3:35 p.m.; junior drop-in hockey for ages 17 and under from 3:45 p.m. to 5:05 p.m.; a Sticks & Pucks session for all ages from 5:15 p.m. to 6:35 p.m.; and adult drop-in hockey from 6:45 p.m. to 8:05 p.m.

“It’s definitely a good idea,” said Nikita Petrovskiy, an attendant at the arena. “It’s a good way to promote a healthy and positive business. The free programs give people a chance to explore what the Royal Oak ice arena has to offer.”

The ice arena’s mascot, Snowplow Sam - the figure skating bear - will also be in attendance.

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“It’s a good way for us to give back to the community,” Petrovskiy noted.

There will also be information available for the ice arena’s upcoming Learn to Skate sessions and all fall programming.

The John Lindell Arena features two National Hockey League-sized rinks. It was originally constructed in 1971 with one indoor and one outdoor rink. The second sheet of ice was enclosed in 1995 as part of a $3.5 million renovation.

The arena received its namesake from John Lindell, who served as Royal Oak’s Director of Parks and Recreation for 16 years.

The rink is the current home to the Royal Oak Hockey Association, New Edge Figure Skating Club and the Royal Oak Ravens High School hockey team.